In different stages of a man's life, there are different physical characteristics due to growth and development.
Generally speaking, boys have a weak kidney energy and inadequate Tian Gui (essence) during childhood. If they have insufficient innate endowment or poor postnatal care, or suffer from long-term illness and depletion, it is more likely to result in a deficiency of kidney energy and Tian Gui, leading to slow growth, poor development or delayed development of reproductive organs. If there is excessive use of medication or the influence of certain diseases that cause abnormal rapid replenishment of Tian Gui and kidney energy, it may lead to early sexual development. Therefore, during childhood, boys should neither indiscriminately use tonics nor use excessively bitter and cold attacking remedies.
During adolescence and early adulthood, kidney energy is strong and Tian Gui is abundant, and the body's growth and development tend to stabilize. The physical characteristics during this period include a complete physique, strong muscles and bones, abundant energy, strong physical strength, and the peak of sexual and reproductive function. However, during this period, males often experience liver qi stagnation due to various factors such as marriage, family, and career, or liver and kidney damage due to excessive indulgence. As a result, liver and kidney diseases, as well as sexual and reproductive dysfunction and certain diseases of reproductive organs, are more likely to occur. Based on the physical characteristics of this period, in health preservation, one should be optimistic and content, avoid overwork and indulgence, and avoid the adverse effects and damage caused by various physical and chemical factors. In terms of disease treatment, the focus should be on regulating the liver and kidney and supplementing and eliminating appropriately.
In middle and old age, kidney energy gradually declines, and Tian Gui gradually depletes. The body gradually moves from vigorous to aging, and reproductive and sexual functions gradually decline. If not properly adjusted, various diseases may occur prematurely, such as sexual dysfunction and diseases of certain reproductive organs such as prostate hypertrophy and testicular atrophy. Therefore, men should pay more attention to health preservation after middle age, including moderate sexual activity, reasonable diet, appropriate rest and work, emotional balance, and emphasis on protecting Yang energy. They should also consume some mild-tonic medicines and foods according to specific conditions. In treatment, the focus should be on tonifying the kidneys, but not blindly and excessively tonifying, and it should be gentle and regulating rather than greasy and nourishing.
